YOU know how it is. You're a 20-something taking a gap year to find yourself while travelling the world.

The trail leads you to Taipei in Taiwan and before you know it you are delivering a suitcase full of an experimental drug to an underworld boss while nursing a hangover.

That is all in opening moments of the fast-paced Lucy from Luc Besson, director of La Femme Nikita, Leon and The Fifth Element.

The film follows the myth that humans only use 10 per cent of their brain power and toys with what might happen if that potential was unlocked.

Scarlett Johansson proves brilliant in the lead role as Lucy, who is in the wrong place at the wrong time.

She is exposed to a drug that eventually allows her to fulfil 100 per cent of her potential – essentially gaining super powers – but at the expense of what makes her human in the first place.

The movie is slickly edited with metaphorical imagery and is at its best when it takes its time building up the premise.

And as with much of Besson's work expect car chases and blazing guns but also scenes to rival The Matrix.

Add to that a spectacular scene where Lucy 'rewinds' Times Square by millions of years and you have a satisfying blockbuster which only fails to live up to its own potential in the closing scenes.